A teaser bet allows you to modify the point spread or total in your advantage across various games. However, this convenience comes with diminished payouts compared to traditional parlays. Teasers can be deemed a subset of parlays since they encompass multiple outcomes; just like a regular parlay, all parts must succeed for a payout. The essential distinction is the reduced payout due to the leeway in adjusting the lines.
How Teaser Bets Function
Step-by-step Process:
- Select Your Legs: Choose two or more games to combine; these bets are prevalent in football and basketball.
- Adjust the Lines: Here’s where you ’tease':
- Football: Points modified are typically 6, 6.5, or 7. For instance, a team with a -7 spread drops to -1 with a 6-point teaser.
- Basketball: Adjustments usually range from 4 to 5 points.
- Understand the Trade-off: Increasing the points in your favor lowers the payout.
- Mix and Match: Many sportsbooks permit bets across different spreads and totals within the same teaser.
- Know the Rules: Be aware that rules differ across sportsbooks; check how they handle pushes.
Examples of Teaser Betting
NFL Teaser
Consider a 6-point teaser that combines a spread and an Over/Under on a single ticket. If the Ravens are at -7 and the Packers-Bears total is 46.5, the teaser could adjust the Ravens’ line to -1 and raise the total to 52.5.
NBA Teaser
Using a four-point teaser involving a spread and total, if the Warriors are -8 against the Lakers with a total of 212.5 for another game, you could adjust the Warriors’ line to -4 while pushing the total to 216.5.
Teaser Payout Chart
Payouts vary based on the number of legs included and how far the lines are adjusted:
- 2-legs: Standard payout is around -110; for three legs, approximately +160.
Conclusion
Teasers introduce fun and flexibility in sports betting, but they’re not risk-free. Gamblers should be cautious about adding too many legs since it increases the risk of losing and should opt for smaller teasers for strategic betting.
